8 Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

Give yourself another excuse to gorge on chocolates as medical science has recently revealed the health benefits of eating dark chocolate. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, the dark chocolate is not a sugary as compared to other chocolates and are loaded with a wholesome package of nutrients  and antioxidants that can actually work wonders on your health. Studies have proven that dark chocolate is not only good for your skin but also is great for your heart health.

While purchasing dark chocolate in the market, you must be aware that most of the brands offer sugary delights in the name of dark chocolate. You must buy organic dark chocolate with 70 percent or higher cocoa content, which has very less sugar and is somewhat bitter-sweet in taste.

If you are thinking to snack on dark chocolates, then you must be warned about its calorie content too. Moderate consumption of dark chocolate everyday is enough to give a dose of essential nutrition to your body but if you consume lot of dark chocolate, then you will eventually get addicted to it and thereby you pile up extra pounds of weight. So if you are desperate to know how your beloved dark chocolate can bring a positive difference in your health condition, then you must read these 8 health benefits of dark chocolate:

1. Packed With Nutrients

If you buy dark chocolate with high cocoa content, then it is actually packed with a variety of nutrients and also helps in giving a boost to your energy level. It gives you good amount of fibre, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium along with plenty of selenium, zinc, potassium and phosphorus. But you must not consume more than 50 grams of dark chocolate in a day as it has around 300 calories. In terms of fat, dark chocolate comprises more of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and less amount of polyunsaturated fats.

2. Great Source Of Antioxidants

As per the test conducted for measuring antioxidant activity of foods via ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), it was found that dark chocolates are one of the foods that have actively working antioxidants in large amounts. With organic compounds such as catechins, flavanols, polyphenols, etc that are biologically active, dark chocolates are proven to be rich in powerful antioxidants.  

3. Balances Good & Bad Cholesterol Levels

Though cholesterol is essential for our heart’s health, it must be well balanced in our body. The consumption of good cholesterol or HDL must be high in the body as they help in regulating the bad cholesterol or LDL in the body. As per a trial done by medical experts, the cocoa content of dark chocolate was proven to control the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and helped in balancing the good and bad cholesterol. When LDL reacts with free radicals, then it becomes oxidized and has the potential of damaging the tissues of the arteries in the heart. Since the dark chocolate contains high amount of antioxidants, it enters the blood stream and protects lipoproteins from the damage caused by oxidized LDL.

4. Your Heart’s Best Friend

The dark chocolate contains typical compounds that helps the heart in protecting itself from the damage caused by oxidized LDL. If a person consumes a small portion of dark chocolate everyday for a long period of time, then there will be lesser cholesterol deposits in his arteries hinting lesser chances of the person suffering from heart ailments. A recent study revealed that if a person eats dark chocolate for 2 or more days in a week, then the risk of calcified plaque deposits in the arteries are reduced by 32 percent. Another study showed astonishing results where consumption of dark chocolate for more than 5 times a week brought down the risk of cardiovascular disease by a whopping 57 percent.

5. Improves Blood Circulation & Lowers Blood Pressure

Dark chocolate has another hidden benefit for our well being. The bio-active compound called flavanol in dark chocolate triggers the endothelium in the lining of the arteries to produce nitric oxide. This nitric oxide sends signals to the arteries to function in a relaxed state, which helps in eliminating resistances to the blood flow, thus ensuring a reduction in the blood pressure. Studies have proved that consuming dark chocolate helps in efficient flow of blood while benefiting people with high blood pressure by lowering the resistances to aid in seamless blood flow.

6. Works Magic On Your Skin

Antioxidants are not only good for heart but also great for flaunting glowing skin. So if you are eager to know how chocolate can add to your beauty then read this. The flavanols in dark chocolate improves the flow of blood in the skin, protects skin from damage caused by sun such as pigmentation, improves skin density and level of hydration. Moreover, it protects the skin from the redness caused due to excess exposure to sun. Now, that you know that dark chocolate can help you to augment your beauty, then make sure to have one or two squares of it everyday.

7. Improves Functioning Of Brain

On top of all these benefits, dark chocolate is also known to improve the functioning of the brain. The antioxidants present in dark chocolate regulates the blood circulation in the brain and gives you with instant energy when you feel lethargic. The cocoa in dark chocolate comprises of stimulant substances such as caffeine and theobromine that ensures to keep your mind active and your attention levels improve.

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8. Controls Blood Sugar Levels

Another benefit of eating dark chocolate is that your blood sugar levels are managed well. Dark chocolate helps in keeping your blood vessels healthy to ensure proper blood circulation. The flavonoids found in the dark chocolate reduces the insulin resistance by helping the cells to function normally and aids your body to regain the ability to use the insulin produced within the body in an effective manner. Since dark chocolate has low glycemic index, it does not cause a major hike in the blood sugar levels.